Rack and Pinion Steering Kits And Parts

Rack and Pinion Conversion Kits for Classic Cars and Trucks

A rack and pinion conversion kit replaces your factory steering box with a rack that mounts to the front of the chassis. It's a common upgrade for older cars and trucks and pairs with our full range of chassis, steering & suspension parts. Many kits include the mounting hardware, so you're not sourcing brackets one piece at a time.

Vehicle-specific kits take the guesswork out of fitment. Flaming River offers a 1966-1967 Chevelle cradle kit that carries the rack in its own mounting cradle. Unisteer builds a power rack kit for 1964-1967 GM A-body and B-body cars, and it also sells offset bushings.

Mopar owners can choose AJE Suspension manual and power rack conversion kits for A-body cars. Each kit is built around a specific platform, so match the listing to your year, make, and model before you order. That step helps you avoid returns and keeps your project on schedule.

Manual vs. Power Rack and Pinion Steering

Choose a manual rack for a simpler system with fewer parts, or a power rack for lighter effort at low speeds. Both types are available as conversion kits and as direct replacements.

A manual rack skips the pump, hoses, and fluid, which keeps the install clean and cuts under-hood clutter. That makes it a good fit for lightweight cars, race builds, and tight engine bays. Flaming River lists manual racks for Cobra and MGB applications, plus a 2010-2015 Camaro manual rack.

A power rack needs a pump and lines, but it makes parking and tight turns easier in heavier cars. The Heidts Mustang II power rack kit suits builds with a Mustang II-style front suspension.

You'll also find a 1994-2004 Mustang SN-95 power rack install kit and a universal front-steer power rack. If you'd rather keep a gearbox layout, compare these options with our steering boxes before you decide.

How to Choose the Right Rack and Pinion

The right rack and pinion matches your chassis, steering column, and engine package, so check fitment before you compare prices. Our guide on how to choose a rack and pinion for your steering conversion covers each step in more depth. Taking a few measurements now saves you from rework during the install.

Before you order, confirm these details:

• Spline count, since 26-spline is standard on most Flaming River racks
• Mounting arrangement, including the crossmember or cradle the rack bolts to
• Steering column and shaft type, plus the U-joints needed to connect them
• Header clearance around the rack, especially with engine swaps
• Kit contents, such as tie rod ends, hoses, a steering shaft, and hardware

Rack placement also affects front-end geometry. If the tie rods don't line up with the control arms, the wheels can steer themselves over bumps. Our article on understanding bump steer explains the causes and fixes.

Replacement Racks, Bushings, and Rebuild Parts

If your vehicle already has rack and pinion steering, a replacement rack or new bushings can restore the feel you've lost. You don't need a full conversion kit to fix a worn or leaking rack.

Remanufactured power racks cover late-model applications such as the GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Malibu. They replace the factory unit, which keeps the repair simple.

Smaller parts often solve the problem. Rack and pinion bushings firm up a rack that shifts in its mounts, and Flaming River offers billet mounting bushings for its racks. Replacement bellows keep dirt and water away from the inner tie rods, and a 1/2-inch rack spacer can help with positioning.

Not sure which part has failed? Our guide to diagnosing common steering issues helps you narrow down the cause before you buy. You can also browse all steering & alignment parts for related wear items.

Supporting Steering Components for a Complete Install

A complete rack and pinion install usually needs more than the rack itself. Plan for the parts that connect the rack to your column, wheels, and power source. Ordering them together helps you avoid delays once the old steering box comes out.

Most conversions need a new shaft and joints to clear the headers and reach the rack's input. Choose steering shafts & U-joints that match your rack's spline count and your column.

Power racks also need a pump that suits the rack's pressure and fitting requirements. Our power steering pumps and reservoirs cover common setups for street and strip builds. If you're converting from manual steering, you'll also need a pump bracket that fits your engine.

Tie rod ends wear over time and often get replaced along with the rack. Browse steering linkage for tie rod ends that fit your application. Get a front-end alignment after any steering work.